Dairy-Free Cheesy Ground Meat Pasta

Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of Dairy-Free Cheesy Ground Meat Pasta, a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This hearty dish features your favorite pasta, tender ground meat, and a lusciously creamy dairy-free cheese sauce, all combined with the robust flavors of garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. The recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules. The key lies in the rich combination of dairy-free cheese shreds and plant-based milk, which create a velvety sauce without any dairy, while hints of red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that’s both kid-friendly and perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or meal-prepping for the week, this dairy-free pasta recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta of choice (such as penne or fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 1.5 cups dairy-free cheese shreds (such as cheddar style)
• 1 cup dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk)
• 1 teaspoon basil leaves, dried
• 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, mixing it well with the meat mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 6

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), and stir to combine.

Step 7

Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and mix well.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the dairy-free cheese shreds and dairy-free milk. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat all the pasta with the sauce.

Step 10

Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2010.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3382.6

Total Fat 227.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 121.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.3g
Cholesterol 326.0mg	0%
Sodium 5741.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 218.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.4g	0%
Total Sugars 25.0g
Protein 122.5g	0%

Vitamin D 100.0IU	0%
Calcium 3288.9mg	0%
Iron 17.3mg	0%
Potassium 2859.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.0%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 25.6%